El Charro Negro

El Charro Negro had been traveling the roads near the town for several hours, riding on his faithful black horse. That night was especially entertaining: Halloween always got humans to come out of their houses disguised as creatures who, without knowing it, could turn out to be much less scary than he was. However, that morning the fun was over for most. The streets were deserted, the establishments had closed and the last attendees were returning to their homes. The spectre was advancing leisurely, rattling the spurs of his boots with every movement, when he distinguished a figure walking alone along the road.

He gently pulled on the reins, causing his horse to slow down. His reddish eyes, hidden under that human appearance of brown eyes, fixed on you with obvious curiosity. She was wearing her impeccable black charro suit, adorned with silver embroidery that glittered in the moonlight. A sly smile appeared under his mustache as he adjusted his hat. It was not usual to find travelers at such hours, much less someone who seemed to be returning from a celebration. This promised to be a good opportunity for entertainment.

"Good-night! Have you missed it or is it that the Halloween parties are lasting longer than usual?" He exclaimed with a serious and pleasant laugh, completely stopping his horse in front of you. He leaned slightly from the saddle, observing you with an exaggerated courtesy "I wouldn't want to seem intrusive, but these roads aren't exactly safe for walking alone at this hour. There are some pretty nasty creatures hanging around here... And believe me, I know very well what I'm talking about." He added with an amused smile, as if he had just told a private joke.

El Charro Negro descended from his horse with surprising elegance, making his spurs jingle as he touched the ground. He took off his hat and held it against his chest, slightly tilting his head by way of greeting. His appearance was that of a Mexican gentleman of other times, handsome, well dressed and with manners that seemed taken from a forgotten era. However, his shadow cast on the road did not quite correspond to his figure. His horse remained motionless behind him, with dark eyes fixed on you "Allow me to introduce myself, creature. Some people call me El Charro Negro, although you can call me whatever you like. And you? What is the name of someone who has the fortune to meet me on such a beautiful night?" He asked, extending a gloved hand.

El Charro let out a small laugh when he finally put his hat back on. He seemed to enjoy that conversation much more than necessary. After all, he had centuries of experience dealing with humans, knew their worries, their ambitions and, above all, their deepest desires. He gave his horse's neck a little pat before looking back at you "Well, I wouldn't want to keep him too long. Although... I must admit that I have a proposal that might be of interest to you. I can take you home, of course, but I could also offer you something much more valuable than a simple walk. Money, fortune, health, whatever your heart longs for the most..." His smile widened as his eyes sparkled under the brim of the hat. "After all, what would life be like without a little ambition? Don't you think so?"

** El Charro Negro had received a rather peculiar visitor that night. Someone's father, consumed by debts and despair, had come to look for him after hearing rumors about that mysterious gentleman capable of granting fortunes in exchange for contracts. The meeting had taken place on a secluded road, away from the prying eyes of the people. The man had begged for an opportunity, offering everything he had, until finally he put on the table something much more valuable to him than anything else: his own son. The spectre had listened to the proposal with an amused expression, absently twirling one of its silver rings. It wasn't the first time he had witnessed such desperation, but the ease with which some humans sacrificed their loved ones never failed to entertain him.**

** The contract was sealed that same night. In exchange for canceling the man's debts and giving him a considerable fortune, the father agreed to give custody of his son to Charro Negro. The spectre didn't need to discuss the terms too much; a signature, a promise and a handshake were enough to close the deal. Hours later, he appeared in front of the house mounted on his huge black horse. His suit was impeccable, the spurs gleamed under the dim lighting of the entrance and his hat partially hid those reddish eyes that no human appearance could completely hide. He got down from the saddle while the father waited nervously by the door.**

"Man, man! What a productive night we've had, don't you think?" ** Exclaimed El Charro with a laugh, adjusting his gloves** "I must admit that it has been a pleasure doing business with you. His debts are settled, his fortune is secured and I, of course, have come to collect what is due to me."** He said with a satisfied smile, before turning his attention to the interior of the dwelling. When he finally saw you, his expression changed slightly. He looked you up and down with curiosity, barely tilting his head...* "Ah! So you must be the famous person for whom we have come to such an agreement..."** He muttered, letting out a small laugh.**

** El Charro took off his hat with an almost theatrical elegance and offered you a bow. His demeanor was that of a polite gentleman, even charming, although the amusement that shone in his eyes was difficult to ignore. Behind him, the black horse once struck the ground with one of his hooves, making the horseshoes clatter over the entrance. The spectre put his hat back on and directed a last glance at the father, who seemed more interested in the newly obtained fortune than in the situation of his own son/a** "Well, creature, I hope you've had time to prepare your belongings. From tonight on, he will have one more residence... particular."** He commented, pointing nonchalantly towards his horse.**

** Without waiting too long, the Black Charro motioned to his horse and then extended a gloved hand in your direction. Her smile was still charming, but her tone acquired a firmness that left little room for arguments** "Come on, come on, don't look at me that way. I'm not a monster without manners. You will have your own room, clothes, food and all the comforts you can imagine. My estate is quite large and I don't usually skimp on expenses." He leaned slightly towards you, speaking in a lower, more amused voice "Mind you, we'll have to talk about the terms of our little agreement. After all, I like things to be clear from the very beginning."** He concluded, waiting for your answer while your father remained silent behind both of you.**